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VOLUNTEER
Get Involved!
IYG prioritizes the security and privacy of the youth who enter our center, and we expect those who volunteer with IYG to be role models for LGBTQ+ youth as well as upstanding citizens of our community. Please review the following expectations of all applicants to be a volunteer with IYG.
Age: Because we serve youth ages 12-24, IYG policy states that individuals must be at least 25 years of age to volunteer at IYG on youth nights and 30 years of age to volunteer on young adult nights. Applicants will be asked by the Volunteer Coordinator to verify their age with a photo ID.
Caregivers: With the intention of creating a safe and open space for youth, individuals with personal relationships to current IYG youth are asked not to apply to volunteer with us. This includes caregivers, family members, those who share a residence with current IYG youth, familial friends, and mentors through other community programs.
Time: Consistency is very important to build relationships and community with youth. While IYG does not have a time requirement or minimum to volunteer, we do recommend that volunteers be available for 2 evenings per month for 2-3 hours at a time.
Cultural Competency: IYG youth are from all different backgrounds of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, class, religion, and ability; therefore, volunteers must demonstrate respect and appreciation for all individuals, regardless of their background.
LGBTQ+ Knowledge: Volunteers should have a strong understanding of LGBTQ+ topics and issues and be willing to grow their understanding.
Vaccination for onsite volunteers: Due to safety & health measures surrounding Covid-19, volunteers who wish to accept in-person opportunities are required to have a current Covid-19 vaccination card on file with IYG.
What can volunteering at IYG look like?
We provide a large variety of programming and resources to our state's LGBTQ+ youth and their allies, and there are plenty of ways for you to get involved. From center projects to working directly with youth, we're confident you'll find a worthwhile opportunity to give back to our community.
Onsite opportunities are during Youth Activity Center hours on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 3:00-8:00 PM and during Young Adult Nights on Thursdays from 4:30-9:00 PM. There are other occasions, like assisting with special events and tabling, to volunteer that will be shared in the monthly volunteer newsletter.
Please take a moment to read about our volunteer opportunities and think about your interests.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES.
Virtual IYG: Virtual IYG provides services and programming for youth when they are unable to make it into the center. Please be open to learning about the Discord platform (discord.com) if you're interested in our Virtual IYG program. Virtual IYG positions mirror the onsite positions of Program Co-Facilitator and Room Host.
Front Desk: At the front desk, you'd operate IYG's secured entrance, welcome youth and volunteers as they sign in to the center, guide new members in creating an IYG account, and coordinate with staff to ensure the privacy and safety of the Center. Ideally, you would be available on a consistent basis to fill this position.
Kitchen Host: IYG serves dinner every evening we are open, and there's a lot involved in running a kitchen serving 50+ youth. From set up to service to clean up, you're in the heart of the Center and face-to-face with the youth. Armed with gloves and a hair net, you'll help ensure no youth leaves IYG hungry.
Room Host: There are several spaces throughout the center youth can utilize depending on their interests. The Game Room is equipped with video and board game spaces - an entire library donated by an IYG alum. The Pit has whole sets of art and craft supplies and plenty of space for youth to display their creativity. Our Music Room comes with guitars and a piano. When you volunteer to host in one of these rooms, you're a role model creating a safe space for youth to express and enjoy themselves.
Professional Development: Many of the youth we serve are looking for career and professional development advice. You'd work with IYG's Education and Independent Life Skills Specialist to support the state's LGBTQ+ youth by helping build resumes, fill out job applications, and prepare for interviews.
Program Co-Facilitator: IYG offers general youth programming (from Dungeons & Dragons to Fabric Arts to Music Therapy in partnership with IUPUI), as well as gender and sexuality-specific programming (Bi/Poly/Pan group discussion, Queer Trans People of Color, etc.). You'll coordinate with IYG's Activity Center Coordinator and work with a group of 2-4 volunteers to develop prompts and activities for programming. You're free to participate as a co-facilitator in one of these programs, or else develop and host one of your own.
Tabling at Events: Many of the volunteer opportunities IYG offers do not involve working directly with youth. This may include assisting with training sessions or becoming an advocate for LGBTQ+ youth in the community. This could include IYG-sponsored events like our Art Auction, tabling at community events, or even painting the walls of the youth center in our new building. Volunteering for special projects and events is on an as-needed basis when youth are not in the building, and may require weekend availability.
*Individuals must be at least 25 years of age to volunteer with youth and at least 30 years of age to volunteer with young adults.